Mark had to admit, he was having fun for the first time in a long while. It was good just to hang out with a group of guys again and not have to worry about being followed. He may have been a little paranoid about the whole thing but the shadow of what he'd done in Ireland stayed with him. He ran instead of defending his family and homeland, even his friends expected it of him. Had he let his family down yet again.
"Mark, drink up man. The show's about to start and it's your turn to buy." Shane laughed smacking him, the boy was forever off with his head in the clouds. Soon the lights dimmed as tonight's performer "Sweet Pea" appeared onstage and all Mark could think was...there's something awkward about her. He had a strong feeling there was a pretty woman trapped in a pound of makeup and big blond curls. There was nothing strange about her when she started to sing though, her voice was beautiful and yes, sweet. He could sit and listen to her for hours and he nodded his approval to the others at the table. Her last song gave him a bittersweet feeling as an old Irish lullaby his mam sang washed over him, and he was barely aware a tear ran down his cheek. Pea did and blew him a kiss, bringing him back to the present. Luckily she was the only one who noticed and he was composed by the time the lights came up again. "That was really nice, I'm glad ye invited me out lads. I suppose I should call it a night though."
"So soon. I was really hoping you'd buy me a drink handsome." Pea said cupping his face in her hands, her soft lilt of an accent washing over him.
"Ok" he said with a grin and she told him to be in her dressing room in 10 minutes.
The others just stared at him dumbfounded, "Well, I guess we don't have to worry about Markie making friends. As for me, I'm off for my usual appointment. Seeya tomorrow." Shane said and went to the bar to meet a redhead who immediately wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Who the hell is that?! Friendly lass isn't she?" Mark said after
picking up his jaw from the floor.
Kian chuckled, "That's Sherry the Saturday Night Special. (lmgdmfao)
They have a mutually benefical relationship involving a good part of Shane's
paycheck and weekend." Why a good-looking, nice guy like him needs a hooker
was beyond them but Mark had more important things on his mind. "Don't
worry about me, I'll find something to do. Heh ,can I get in on that card
game?" Kian said walking off and Mark took a deep breath before heading
into Pea's chamber.
It was just like what you'd expect of a saloon singer's dressing room- tacky red
velvet with gold tassels. Sort of like Pea's outfit. "I have no idea what
I'm doing here." Mark said to himself as he opened the bottle of wine on
the table. He almost spit it all over when she walked out, she was absolutely
lovely. Pea was actually a petite stunner with burgandy hair and laughing brown
eyes that danced at his surprise.
"Is it that much of an improvement over the blond?"
"Hell yes. What's with that look when you're gorgeous?" She blushed and sat next to him taking the glass he offered.
"My uncle owns the saloon and he said that's what the boys go for, blond hair and knockers."
Mark made a consciencious effort not to look in the direction of her partially opened dressing gown, the body was hard to hide. "So, what's your real name and you're not from around here. I'm not recognizing the accent."
She held out a hand, "My name is Kimmy and I'm from Canada. I'm hoping to break into show business as a singer and California is where all the big names are coming. It's not much but it's a start." she said gesturing to the gaudy room about her. "Do you want to know why I asked you back here?" and his bright blue eyes got round. "I knew you were a gentleman who wouldn't be pawing me."
"Really, what gave me away?"
"In a room full of drunk men you sat bawling over my songs."
He looked a little sheepish, "You must think I'm a big mam's boy, huh?"
She ran a finger down his nose to his lips, "I think you're sweet." and gave him a gentle kiss. "
He smiled back at her and ran his fingers through her hair, "Ya know I have a couple of ideas for your act if you have some time...."